Horticulture

FLORICULTURE 

  • Entries must be the work of the 4-H member. 
  • The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If potted container with several cultivar or varieties identify each individually within the pot. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor not the Extension staff or office personnel. 
  • A perennial is defined as a plant of which the crown overwinters. An annual is a plant that grows from seed each season, whether self-seeded or planted by the gardener. A biennial is a plant that germinates, grows and overwinters as a crown, blooms the following year and dies. Foliage will be considered when exhibit is judged. 
  • Foliage will be considered when exhibit is judged. 
  • All three or five stems of cut flowers should be the same cultivar and color, do not mix cultivars and colors. Containers will not be judged; however, they should be clear glass containers that won't tip over (No plastic containers at State Fair) and of adequate size to display blooms. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing. NO SCREW ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold flowers in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from State Fair. 
  • Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. 

  • Cut Flower Perennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.  

    CUT FLOWER ANNUALS/BIENNIALS/PERENNIALS 

    Annuals and biennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. 

    ANNUALS/BIENNIALS 

    Classes 1-23 – (SF106) 

    *G770001 - Aster 

    *G770002 - Bachelor Buttons 

    *G770003 - Bells of Ireland 

    *G770004 - Browallia 

    *G770005 - Calendula 

    *G770006 - Celosia (crested or plume) (3 stems) 

    *G770007 - Cosmos 

    *G770008 - Dahlia 

    *G770009 - Dianthus 

    *G770010 - Foxglove 

    *G770011 - Gladiolus (3 stems) 

    *G770012 - Gomphrena 

    *G770013 - Hollyhock (3 Stems) 

    *G770014 - Marigold 

    *G770015 - Pansy 

    *G770016 - Petunia 

    *G770017 - Salvia 

    *G770018 - Snapdragon 

    *G770019 - Statice 

    *G770020 - Sunflower (Under 3 inch diameter - Five stems; three inches or more three stems) 

    *G770021 - Vinca 

    *G770022 - Zinnia 

    *G770023 - Any Other Annuals/Biennials (under three inch diameter - five stems, three inches or more - three stems)  

    PERENNIALS 

    Perennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 30-46 – (SF106) 

    *G770030 - Achillea/Yarrow 

    *G770031 - Chrysanthemum 

    *G770032 - Coneflower  

    *G770033 - Coreopsis 

    *G770034 - Daisy  

    *G770035 - Gaillardia 

    *G770036 -  Helianthus  

    *G770037 - Hydrangea (three stems)  

    *G770038 -  Liatris (three stems) 

    *G770039 - Lilies (Not Day Lilies) (three stems)  

    *G770040 - Platycodon  

    *G770041 -  Rose (three stems)  

    *G770042 - Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan 

    *G770043 - Sedum  

    *G770044 - Statice  

    *G770045 - Any other perennial (under three inch diameter - Five stems, three inches or more - three stems)

    *G770046 -  4-H Flower Garden Collection of 5 different Flowers. Each flower in the collection should be exhibited with number specified for classes 1-45. Display in a box or other older not more than 18 inches in dimension. Boxes may not be returned at State Fair. Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-45 with any in the group collection. 

    EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS 

    *G77050 - Flower Notebook – (SF100) - Exhibit a notebook containing pictures of flowers grown in Nebraska. There must be at least 10 different species of annuals and/or biennials and 10 different species of perennials hardy to Nebraska. Bulbs may be included in a separate section. 4-H members may show more than one cultivar of the same species, but they will only count as one species. The notebook must be the result of the current year’s work. Pictures from garden catalogs, hand drawn pictures, or photographs may be used. Each species/cultivar must be labeled with the correct common name and scientific name; the height and spread of the plant and the growing conditions (for example: needs full sun and dry sandy soil) the species prefers. In addition to this information, bulbs should also be labeled as spring or summer flowering. Give proper credit by listing the sources of pictures and information used. The 4-H member's name, age, , county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the notebook. 

    *G77051 - Flower Garden Promotion Poster – (SF103) - Individual poster promoting flower gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches, either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium: watercolor, ink, crayons, etc. as long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copy-righted material will not be accepted. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, , county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.  

    *G77052 - Educational Flower Garden Poster – (SF104) - Prepare a poster 14 inches x 22 inches x 2 inches (3-dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project you have done or learned about in a 4-H flower or houseplant project. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the garden. Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals but use your own creativity. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.  

    *G77053 - Flower Gardening History Interview – (SF105) - Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview whose flower garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their flower garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover. 

    HOUSEPLANTS 

  • Container Grown Houseplants - The choice of container and soil quality will be considered in judging. Each houseplant must be identified by listing the names on the entry tag or on a card attached to the container. Identify each plant individually if more than one cultivar or variety. 
  • Houseplants should be grown in the display container for a minimum of six weeks. 
  • Plants grown as houseplants must be used. NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” (https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g2205/na/html/view) and NebGuide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” (https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g837/na/html/view)includes a listing of common houseplants. Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e. petunias, geraniums, impatiens) will be disqualified and will not be judged. 
  • Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member. 
  • Any container plant, (flowering or foliage potted houseplants, dish gardens, fairy or miniature gardens, desert gardens, or terrariums) shall be in containers no larger than 12 inches (use inside opening measurement) in any dimension of length or width. No combination of pots may be used. All potted plants are to be in a one pot container. Any container grown plant in Classes 60-66 that does not follow these guidelines will be dropped one ribbon placing. 
  • Classes 60-65 exhibitors must have and provide a saucer to catch drainage water. 

  • The 4-H member’s name, age, , county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer. 

    *G770060 - Flowering Potted House Plant(s) - (SF107) - that are blooming for exhibition. Container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with name for each plant. Non-blooming plants will be disqualified. 

    *G770061 - Foliage Potted House Plant(s) - (SF107) – one variety of tropical or cacti or succulent plant. 

    *G770062 - Hanging Basket - (SF107) - of flowering and/or foliage houseplants. Container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with name for each plant.  

    *G770063 - Dish Gardens - (SF107) - An open/shallow container featuring a variety of house plants excluding cacti and succulents. Label with name for each plant. 

    *G770064 - Fairy or Miniature Garden - (SF107) - A miniature “scene” contained in an open container and featuring miniature or small, slow growing house plants. The garden needs to have an imaginative theme and miniature accessories, i.e. bench, fence made from tiny twigs, small shell for a bathtub, etc. Label with name for each plant.  

    *G770065 - Desert Gardens - (SF107) - An open/shallow container featuring cacti and/or succulents grown as houseplants. Label with name for each plant.  

    *G770066 - Terrariums - (SF107) - Transparent container, partially or completely enclosed; sealed or unsealed. Label with name for each plant. 

    VEGETABLES 

    The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will lower the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or office personnel. 

    Vegetable, Numbers to Exhibit 

    Classes 1-56 – (SF108) 

    *G773201 - Lima Beans, (12)  

    *G773202 -  Snap Beans, (12) 

    *G773203 - Wax Beans, (12) 

    *G773204 - Beets (5)  

    *G773205 - Broccoli (2)  

    *G773206 - Brussel Sprouts (12) 

    *G773207 - Green Cabbage (2) 

    *G773208 - Red Cabbage (2)  

    *G773209 - Carrots (5) 

    *G773210 - Cauliflower (2) 

    *G773211 - Slicing Cucumbers (2) 

    *G773212 - Pickling Cucumbers (5) 

    *G773213 - Eggplant (2) 

    *G773214 - Kohlrabi (5) 

    *G773215 - Muskmelon/Cantaloupe (2) 

    *G773216 - Okra (5)  

    *G773217 - Yellow Onion (5)  

    *G773218 - Red Onion (5) 

    *G773219 - White Onion (5) 

    *G773220 - Parsnips (5) 

    *G773221 -  Bell Peppers (2) 

    *G773222 - Sweet Non-Bell Peppers (5) 

    *G773223 - Jalapeno Peppers (5) 

    *G773224 - Hot (Non-Jalapeno) Pepper (5)  

    *G773225 - White Potatoes (5)  

    *G773226 - Red Potatoes (5) 

    *G773227 - Russet Potatoes (5) 

    *G773228 - Other Potatoes (5) 

    *G773229 -  Pumpkin (2) 

    *G773230 - Miniature Pumpkins (Jack Be Little type) (5)  

    *G773231 -  Radish (5) 

    *G773232 - Rhubarb (5)  

    *G773233 - Rutabaga (2) 

    *G773234 - Green Summer Squash (2) 

    *G773235 - Yellow Summer Squash (2) 

    *G773236 - White Summer Squash (2) 

    *G773237 - Acorn Squash (2)  

    *G773238 - Butternut Squash (2) 

    *G773239 -  Buttercup Squash (2)  

    *G773240 - Other Winter Squash (2) 

    *G773241 - Sweet Corn (in husks) (5) 

    *G773242 - Swiss Chard (5) 

    *G773243 - Red Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter) (5) 

    *G773244 - Roma or Sauce-type Tomatoes (5)  

    *G773245 - Salad Tomatoes (under 2 inch diameter) (12) 

    *G773246 - Yellow Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter) (5)  

    *G773247 - Turnips (5)  

    *G773248 - Watermelon (2) 

    *G773249 - Dry Edible Beans (1 pint) 

    *G773250 - Gourds, mixed types (5)  

    *G773251 - Gourds, single variety (5) 

    *G773252 -  Any other vegetable 2, 5 or 12 (do not duplicate entries in classes 201-251) doesn’t fit in any other class. 

    *G773255 -  Vegetable Garden Collection of five kinds of vegetables - Display Garden Collection in a box not more than 24” in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Showmanship will be considered in judging, but plastic, grass, cotton, figurines, etc. should not be used in exhibit boxes. Each vegetable in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for individual class (201-252). Do not duplicate entries in classes 201-252 with any in the group collection. 

    *G773256 - Cultivar Vegetable Collection - Vegetables entered in the collection are five cultivars from a single exhibit: for example, five cultivars of all types of peppers, squash, onions, tomatoes, etc. Display in a box not more than 24” in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Showmanship will be considered. Each vegetable in collection should be exhibited with the number specified in class (201-252). 

    HERBS 

  • Herbs will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. 
  • Those grown mainly for their seed such as dill and caraway should be exhibited on a plate in a zip lock bag. 
  • Those grown for their leaves such as basil, parsley, etc. should be exhibited in a clear glass container of water. Containers may not be returned from State Fair. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing. NO SCRE ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold herb leaves in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from State Fair. 
  • Potted herb plants will be disqualified and will not be judged. 

  • Score Sheet SF108. 

    *G773260 - Basil (5) 

    *G773261 - Dill (5 dry) 

    *G773262 - Garlic (5 bulbs)  

    *G773263 - Mint (5)  

    *G773264 - Oregano (5)  

    *G773265 - Parsley (5)  

    *G773266 -  Sage (5) 

    *G773267 - Thyme (5)  

    *G773268 - Any Other Herb, (5) Do not duplicate entries in classes 260-267 

    *G773269 - 4-H Herb Garden Display five kinds of herbs. Displayed in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Each herb in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 260-268. Do not duplicate entries in classes 260-268 with any in the group collection.  

    FRUITS    

  • Fruits will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. 
  • Fruit will be judged for the stage of maturity normal for that season and growing location. 
  • Emphasis will be placed on how well fruit approaches market quality. 

  • Scoresheet SF108 

    *G773280 - Strawberries (ever bearers) 1 pint  

    *G773281 - Grapes (2 bunches)  

    *G773282 - Apples (5)  

    *G773283 - Pears (5) 

    *G773284 - Wild plums (1 pint) 

    *G773285 - Other small fruit or berries (1 pint) Do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284. 

    *G773286 - Other fruits or nuts (5) Do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284. 

    EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS 

    *G773290 - Garden Promotion Poster – (SF103) - Individual poster promoting vegetable or herb gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium so long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster. 

    *G773291 - Educational Vegetable or Herb Garden Poster - (SF104) - Prepare a poster 14 inches x 22 inches x 2 inches (3dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project the 4-H’er has done or learned about in a 4-H vegetable gardening project. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the garden (e.g., drip irrigation system, composting, or special techniques learned). Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals but use your own creativity. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.  

    *G773292 - Vegetable and/or Herb Gardening History Interview - (SF105) - Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview of someone whose vegetable or herb garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover. 

    *G773293 - Vegetable Seed Display - (SF101) - Each display must include seeds representing the following families: Cucurbit, Brassica (cabbage), Solanaceous (nightshade), and Legume (pea) families, plus representatives from 5 other families. Group the seeds by family and type. Glue seeds or otherwise fasten clear containers of seeds to a board or poster mat board no larger than 22 inches x 24 inches. Label each group and each individual vegetable type with the common and scientific names. Use only one variety or cultivar of each vegetable, except for beans where several examples of beans may be shown. Attach a card to the back of the display explaining why and how it is important to know which vegetables are related and cite references on where the scientific name information was found. The 4-H member’s name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the display. Information on vegetable family members can be obtained from your Extension Office. 

    *G773294 - World of Vegetables Notebook - (SF102) - Choose a favorite foreign cuisine and learn what vegetables and/or herbs are common to it (e.g. Mexican, African, Chinese, Italian, etc.). Include a report talking about a minimum of 5 vegetables and/or herbs from each country chosen. Include the scientific and common names; pictures of the plants from your garden or seed catalogs; tell how they are grown; and how the foods are used. Also list a source for buying the seed or plants. Favorite recipes using some or all of the vegetables described may be included. Give proper credit by listing the source of pictures and information used. Protect in a clear report cover or 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover or notebook. 

    SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT EXHIBITS 

    The 2026 Special Gardening Project is focused on the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold.  

    *G775001 - Special Garden Project Educational Exhibit – (SF109) - Educational exhibit based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a poster 14 inches X 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age,, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover.  

    *G775002 - Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers, Herbs or Harvested Vegetables – (SF109) - The current year’s Special Garden Project fresh cut flowers, herbs or harvested vegetables should be entered in this class. Refer to classes 145 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a fresh cut flower (Scoresheet SF106). Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a vegetable (SF108). Flowers and herbs must be cut, not potted. 

Sioux County Fairbook